Hofstra University photos

Gary Flood
Hofstra
senior defender
Hauppauge, N.Y.

Gary Flood is the leader of a defensive unit that allowed only one shot on goal in two big conference victories last week, moving Hofstra (10-4-2) into second place in the Colonial Athletic Association with a 7-2-1 mark.

The Pride defeated Drexel 3-0 Friday, scoring twice in the last five minutes to break open a close game, without the Dragons putting a single shot on net. Hofstra then beat Delaware 2-0 Sunday with the Blue Hens managing only three total shots, one of which was on frame (in the 79th minute). Dating back to a goal by Virginia Commonwealth in the first half October 15, the HU defense held its opponents without a shot on net for 220 minutes, five minutes shy of two-and-one-half matches.

Flood's experience has been invaluable to a young defensive unit that has featured a sophomore (Corey Gudmundson) and two freshmen (Jamal Neptune, Richard Martinez). The smothering "D" played by the Pride against Delaware was particularly impressive with Gudmundson knocked out of the match in the opening minutes, requiring junior forward Ray Hassett to move back. Hofstra has also played with a freshman backup goalkeeper (James Winters) for six games in place of injured starter Tom Johansen and he responded with a 5-1 record and 0.71 goals-against average, though he needed to make only 15 saves in that span. Johansen returned against Delaware and made one save.

Opponents have found they cannot beat Flood off the dribble and he reads the game exceptionally well. After a Hofstra turnover against Delaware, Flood was stranded, facing two attackers alone, but still stepped in to break up the counter. He is also composed on the ball and not afraid to push forward when the situation dictates.

Flood has played every minute of every game this season, something he also accomplished as a freshman in 2003. Before Flood arrive that year, Hofstra had never been invited to the NCAA Division I tournament, but made back-to-back appearances in 2004 and 2005 after winning consecutive CAA titles. The triumph enabled Flood and the other seniors to tie for the winningest class in school history with 43 victories and now has three consecutive seasons of 10 or more victories for the first time.